I arrived to my Cambodian host’s home Friday morning at 2 a.m. after having been awake and traveling for nearly 24 straight hours. SokEng, our host and the principal of an English-focused school, mentioned a phrase several times before we went to sleep.
“Show in your behavior you are a leader. Go to bed and ask God how to best lead.”
Because I’ve been called a “natural born leader” since I was young, I like to think my leadership abilities shine through my behavior most of the time. But, honestly, it’s not always easy to portray leadership skills… especially when times get tough on the World Race.
This is certainly true in my new role as Logistics Coordinator. I recently got invited into a new leadership position, which sometimes has me feeling I am in over my head. Brooke, my logistics counterpart, and I have a lot of responsibility over the nearly 40 members of X-Squad. Jeff, Brooke’s former logistics partner stepped down from his position and I was asked to step in for the remainder of the year.
As Logistics Coordinators, Brooke and I are in charge of booking lodging, arranging transportation and planning all-squad debriefs. We are financially responsible for food/housing/transport and all other expenses when the entire squad is together. As of this month, our Alumni Squad Leaders have headed back to America, so it is essentially Brooke and I (+ the four new squad leaders) against the world with no upper-leadership here to aid us in quick decision making.
I noticed my leadership flaws during our recent travel day, as it was my first travel day experience as Logistics Coordinator. My frustration and irritation began to show as the customs attendant, confused and begrudging, refused to give us exit stamps (which are required to leave the country).
Being a true leader means remaining calm, thinking critically, and often times being two steps ahead of everyone else. That’s hard to do when you’re flustered, confused and exhausted. Instructing other adults without seeming “bossy” and conveying important messages to the entire group can be a challenge.
Getting 40 backpackers from point A to point B becomes even more challenging when you throw in language barriers, currency exchange rates, time differences and no cell service. This whole “travel agent” thing can really send a set of 22-year-old girls into a spiral. Not to mention, we constantly entertain questions we ourselves don’t know the answer to. “Where’s the bathroom?” “When will we get there?” “How many stops are we making?” Questions as such are no doubt patience-testers, as I am also new to every setting we enter! I’m grateful for the lessons I am learning in this season nonetheless.
This role is certainly refining my composure, enhancing my confidence and building my endurance – all of which are sharpened tools I want possess in future situations. While orchestrating world travel, my leadership skills are bound to become sharper and my grace more abundant. For that, I am GRATEFUL!
Pray for our squad (and its new leadership!!) as our time in Asia progresses and we continue to encounter new and unique travel situations. Pray we “show in our behavior” the kind of leaders the Lord expects us to be!
Much love,
Carley
